AAP, NASPGHAN Issue Guidance on Faltering Weight in Children
New recommendations standardize diagnosis and aim to reduce unnecessary interventions in early childhood growth concerns.
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By
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Kathryn Wighton
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March 18, 2026
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AAP and NASPGHAN recommend standardized diagnostic criteria for faltering weight in children, replacing the term 'failure to thrive.'.
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Initial evaluation should focus on history, physical examination, and feeding assessment, avoiding routine diagnostic testing due to low yield.
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Endoscopy is not recommended for initial evaluation of faltering weight due to low diagnostic yield and associated risks.
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Nutritional interventions, including increased caloric intake and oral supplementation, are central to managing faltering weight in children.
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Co-occurring conditions in children with faltering weight should be assessed through clinical evaluation rather than routine screening tests.